Strike in a place unexpected

[jianai]

[One of the transports carrying goods to Alhambra deposits a weary-looking person in a nun's habit. Except that nuns don't normally have horns, betraying that it's actually Ren.]

Ahh, it's good to be back! This place starts to feel like home for me, you know? I'm happy to report that the refugees received as much help and assistance as they should. There's still a lot of labor awaiting them, but that's something they have to do themselves. Their lives and well-being are no longer in any danger.

I must admit, that was some hard work. The living conditions were not ideal, though I'm used to it a little. Still, I don't regret it. In fact...

[Ren smiles embarassingly. Wait, is that blush on their face?]

I'm glad, and not only for those people. I mean, for myself. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful individual.

So, what happened while I was gone?

Comments

[majestic_keiki]

It's mostly been quiet while you were gone. So a more permanent solution has been found for the refugees?

[jianai]

Yes, yes there was! Some of them accepted an opportunity to move to Optimus's new city. Others, those who didn't want to leave their country, were resettled on a new land. We've helped them build the foundations of a settlement - not quite a town yet, but more than just a camp.

Everything turned out fine in the end. I am very happy.

[majestic_keiki]

It must be a lot of work to build an entire city from scratch, rather than expanding one already there.

[jianai]

I'm sure Optimus didn't have too much trouble. He had most skilled Autobot engineers to help him, not to mention assistance from the human side.

[majestic_keiki]

Right, there is that. The ones staying behind in Africa are okay too, I guess.

...So what is this about meeting someone? You better prepare for Tamaki being extremely interested.

[jianai]

Ah, that's what you mean. Well, admittedly you could say that we cheated a little. ESUN provided the relief forces with prefabricated buildings. They're not the most elegant, but they are sturdy and functional and will serve the refugees fine until they're able to build whatever houses they desire.

Why would Tamaki be interested?

[majestic_keiki]

She's obsessed with getting a boyfriend and with romance in general.

[jianai]

I see! But, in my case it's nothing like that...

Or is it?

[majestic_keiki]

She'd think it was either way.

And I can't say if it is without knowing anything about it.

[jianai]

We've spent a lot of time talking, about all kinds of topics. We'd also read together, and on a few occassions, when there was time, we walked around together a little bit.

[majestic_keiki]

I'm sure the chastity of the whole thing wouldn't deter Tamaki...But it sounds like you're just friends anyway.

[jianai]

I think you're right. Though, the feelings I've had when together were something I never experienced before. It's a bit... complicated.

I'm looking forward to when we can meet again.

[majestic_keiki]

Right. I hope it works out. Whatever it is.

[jianai]

Thank you, Kei. I hope so too!

At the same time, I am a bit wary... it'd be bad to lose myself in personal relationships so much, that I forget the larger picture.

[majestic_keiki]

I'm pretty sure that won't happen. Better than being lonely.

[jianai]

Do you have anyone in your life like that, Kei?

[majestic_keiki]

No, I don't.

[jianai]

I see. But you already have good friends, and I'd say that is just as important.

[majestic_keiki]

Right...Even if I sometimes ask why I'm spending time with them.

[jianai]

There's always more to a person than the exterior suggests. I'd say this is because you uncovered it.

[majestic_keiki]

I know. They can just be tiring to be around sometimes. Or embarrassing or cause trouble. But that doesn't mean I'd want to be without them.

[jianai]

Company of others can be sometimes overbearing. Even if they're friends, sometimes you just want to be alone for a while, especially if they say or do something that made you upset. Am I right?

[majestic_keiki]

Well, yes, but it's not really something unusual. Most people feel like that sometimes.

[jianai]

Exactly. What you're describing is a completely ordinary thing. Even if your friends annoy you sometimes - that's normal. In the end, you remain very good friends.

[majestic_keiki]

Right.